Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 9, 2015
Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. Psalm 27:3
A crisis can be seen as an obstacle or an opportunity. Fear can creep into our feelings and begin to weaken our faith. An encamped enemy can instill as much dread as the actual battle. It is during interim times that we may fear the most. A crisis has a beginning and an end, but the consequences can continue. It is in crisis mode that we reject our instinct to panic or become desperate. Instead we trump feelings with faith. God has brought us safe thus far—He is faithful.
Fear erodes our confidence in Christ and replaces it with anger and defensiveness. If we capitulate to our feelings we feel the need to be in control. We believe we have to take charge and corral the cause in our strength and ingenuity. However, “If God be with us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). In the day of trouble He will keep us safe in His presence. In crisis, we have joyful confidence in Christ.
“For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock” (Psalm 27:5).
Confidence in crisis means we are collaborative, not combative. Confidence takes the high road of respect. There is no need to blame others or beat them down with verbal attacks. Persuasive people are prone to pride. They are forceful with their feelings. However people confident in Christ are patient. They seek the opinion of others. There is an invitation for intellectual engagement. Our past experience may not be what’s best for our future direction.
It is a confident and courageous leader who can give up control and trust the Lord and others with the process. Those who are collaborative for Christ are positioned to be more than conquerors through Christ. Where there is no confidence in Christ, there is no continuance with Christ. Overcome your fears by faith in Jesus. He is just what you need. Hold your family, job and opinions with an open hand. Trust Him and others in the process of crisis management. We can be confident in Christ in crisis. No fear by faith!
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, my confidence is in Christ. Keep me in Your process of trust.
Application: How can I grow my confidence in Christ as I face a crisis of faith? What does it mean to have joy in Jesus?
Related Readings: Job 6:20-21; Psalm 27:13-14; Luke 18:9; 2 Corinthians 5:6-9; 1 John 2:28
Tweet this today: A crisis can be seen as an obstacle or an opportunity. Faith sees options. #confidentincrisis #WisdomHunters
Worship Resource: 5 minute video- Alan Jackson: Blessed Assurance
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It never ceases to amaze me how God can speak wisdom directly into our life situations. Thank you.
Dear Kimberly,
I agree! I am amazed and I hope I will always be amazed! And His Perfect Timing is indescribable! Not only does HE speak wisdom into our circumstances but HE does so at the exact time we need to hear it. We praise you, Father!
Humbled,
Gwynne
“I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart;
I will glorify your name forever.”
Psalm 86:12